Strategy

Hampstead, Md. -- JoS. A. Bank Clothiers said Wednesday that its first-quarter net income increased 12.7% to $17.8 million, compared with $15.8 million in the prior year.

Total sales increased 8.5% to $193.3 million, from $178.1 million. Same-store sales edged up 0.1%.
 

Cary, N.C. -- The Pantry said Tuesday that its senior VP operations Brad Williams has decided to leave the company after 13 years.

The c-store operator said it has launched a search for a replacement. In the interim, operations personnel will report to Terry Marks, president and CEO.

NEW YORK — Barneys New York has announced that its e-commerce website, Barneys.com (www.Barneys.com), has introduced international shipping to 90 countries including Canada, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Australia, and China.

According to Barneys, international customers will be able to make payments on Barneys.com in their preferred currency with cost-effective international shipping and handling services.  

Shares of Target are on sale. After beginning the year slightly above the $60 mark, it has been a steady slide downward for the first five months of this year, and now shares regularly trade below $50.

Target and Walmart remain in what is essentially a dead heat as far as prices on food and consumables are concerned, according to the most recent study of prices in Dallas and Chicago conducted by Credit Suisse. The firm looked at a basket of 60 items across the two markets, as it does every month, and in keeping with prior comparisons, the data for April showed Target lagged Walmart by 3.4% in Chicago and 4.6% in Dallas.

Midwestern department store operator Gordman’s Stores was putting up some big numbers last year, and then in early August it decided to go public. Things are not looking quite as good of late, with first quarter comps weaker than planned and guidance for the remainder of the year lowered.

Leader footwear retailer Brown Shoes Company officially has a new president and CEO following its annual shareholders’ meeting. Diane Sullivan was named to both roles back in January, but the company implemented the change gradually as Sullivan assumed responsibilities from Ronald Fromm, who will continue to serve as chairman of the company best known for its Famous Footwear and Naturalizer store banner.

Richard Johnson and Robert McHugh have seen their responsibilities expanded at Foot Locker, as the footwear retailer looks to enhance its focus on its retail and direct-to-customer business segments.

It may have taken longer than originally thought, but competition authorities in South Africa cleared the way for Walmart to move forward with its acquisition of Massmart, the company announced Tuesday.

MIAMI, Fla.  — Winn-Dixie has completed the remodeling of its Miami-area store in Aventura that wil better cater to the community's Jewish residents with expanded kosher offerings.

The remodeled store also featuresa cleaner and more modern and attractive setting, hardwood flooring throughout the produce, deli and bakery departments, and a dedicated area offering free Wi-Fi access and complimentary coffee, the company reported.